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Learning objective

Describe the long DNA strands as alternating sugar and phosphate sections with bases attached to the sugars.

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Topic

Reproduction

Subtopic

DNA structure (biology only)

Aqa Gcse BiologyInheritance, variation and evolution

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Quick explanation

Describe the long DNA strands as alternating sugar and phosphate sections with bases attached to the sugars

  • This point belongs to Reproduction, especially DNA structure (biology only).
  • You need to be able to describe the long DNA strands as alternating sugar and phosphate sections with bases attached to the sugars.
  • The key ideas to know are T, sugar, and A.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

TsugarACbasesphosphate

Why it matters

This objective helps connect DNA structure (biology only) to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Reproduction.

Quick student answer

How does the long DNA strands work?

Direct answer

In Biology, this page helps you answer questions about the long DNA strands within Reproduction. Focus on the key process, correct scientific terms, and how the idea links to exam-style questions. Key terms to check are sugar and phosphate.

Key terms

  • sugar: The five‑carbon backbone component of a nucleotide that links to phosphate groups and bases in the DNA strand.
  • phosphate: The negatively charged group that connects adjacent sugars, forming the sugar‑phosphate backbone of DNA.

Common trap

Misidentifying the backbone: Explain that the backbone is a repeating sugar‑phosphate chain; the bases (A, C, G, T) attach to the sugars and face inward to pair with complementary bases on the opposite strand.

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